Malaysia’s 2025 National Unity Index finds ethnicity, media, and politics are the biggest perceived challenges to social cohesion, requiring tailored interventions.

PUTRAJAYA: Ethnicity remains the single biggest challenge to national unity in Malaysia, according to the newly released 2025 National Unity Index (IPNas) survey.

National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said the survey identified five main issues, with ethnicity the greatest public concern at 60.3%.

This was followed by media influence at 57.2%, politics and federalism at 56.9%, religion at 56.7%, and social class at 47.5%.

“Based on the Pareto Principle, focusing on these five issues would address the majority of public grievances regarding unity,” Aaron said in a statement.

He noted that ethnic sentiment and social interaction patterns must be managed prudently to avoid widening social divides.

The high ranking of media underscores the powerful influence of news and digital content on inter-community perceptions.

The near-equal concern over politics and federalism indicates that public understanding of government roles shapes perceptions of fairness.

Aaron stressed that religious issues require careful handling due to their sensitive nature and potential for misinterpretation.

Social class and education highlight persistent gaps felt by the public regarding cost of living and economic mobility.

The survey also analysed regional differences in perceptions across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.

Aaron said a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer relevant, necessitating unity narratives tailored to local contexts.

“The 2025 IPNas findings send a clear message that unity cannot be built through symbolic campaigns or political rhetoric alone,” he said.

He warned that while free from physical conflict, the main threats today are narrative and economic polarisation.

The MADANI Government will use the findings to guide policy on governance, media management, and narrowing socio-economic gaps.

“We must reinforce what is strong and repair what remains fragile. Unity is not a permanent inheritance,” Aaron added.

He outlined five key measures: pursuing fair development, revitalising national values, and fostering genuine cooperation.

Other measures include enhancing transparent local governance and positioning high-performing states as benchmarks.

The survey found social interaction alone is insufficient and must translate into meaningful community collaboration.

 The Sun Malaysia